Mark Peters is best known as the mastermind behind London-based dream pop group
Engineers, but he's also recorded two full-lengths of shimmering, downtempo instrumentals with
Ulrich Schnauss (who is also a member of
Engineers), as well as chilled-out pop albums with Elliot Ireland and another fellow
Engineer, Matthew Linley (as Salt Rush).
Innerland is
Peters' first true solo album, and it's a set of evocative instrumentals titled after various landmarks located in his native North West England. Originally issued as a cassette in a "small-scale version" in late 2017, the album gained two cuts for its 2018 "large-scale version."
Peters' vast, washed-out guitar soliloquies are the focal point of the album, drifting over steady drum machines and synth sweeps, and generally creating a tranquil, relaxing mood. "Twenty Bridges" takes its time to creep into a cozy, tambourine-enhanced groove. "Windy Arbour" has more of a spring in its step, with lightly cascading pianos as well as a bit of rollicking harmonica near the end. "Gabriel's Ladder" is a peaceful ambient meditation, with a few guitar licks providing light curves in the still pond waters. "Ashurst's Beacon" is more of a lightly trippy psych-rock ramble, with gentle piano and guitar melodies in place of lengthy, druggy soloing. All eight compositions do a fine job of painting audio portraits of locations one might remember from childhood, with each maintaining a distinct character, but also resembling background scenery. Recommended for fans of
Robin Guthrie's solo albums who are in the mood for something just a little bit less hazy or drowsy. ~ Paul Simpson